Health Records

It is the responsibility of the Health Information Department to assure that medical records are completely and accurately documented, readily accessible, and systematically organized and also assure the privacy and confidentiality of medical information. The actual medical record is the property of Coös County Nursing Hospital; however, the information contained in that record belongs to the resident.

Residents are assured of confidential treatment of all medical information, including that stored in an automatic data bank, and written consent is required for the release of this information to anyone not otherwise authorized to receive it. Current medical information is kept on the nursing units in an individual binder with identifying information; non-current information will be kept in the Health Information Department either in locking metal cabinets or electronically on DVDs to protect against loss, destruction, or unauthorized use. Medical records will be maintained in their entirety for an indefinite period of time as space permits.